New York State Office of the Attorney General

Cancelled Service prior to installation with Time Warner, they won't give back my phone number

Posted by Helona on 07/18/2006

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

In June I decided to try Time Warner's Triple Play package. I called for an appointment. They sent 2 guys on the appointed date (late in June).
I had stepped out my door to let my dog out & noticed a rickety white van sitting in the middle of the street with Florida license plates. It said Time Warner Contractor on the side, so I waved them over. The driver was on a phone or radio at the time. He stepped out & told me that since my house number had changed from 24 to 27 they couldn't do the job that day. Would have to reschedule. He asked if he could use my phone to call it in. As we walked inside his passenger followed. This 2nd guy didn't even have the courtesy to say hello or smile or grunt, and he was filty dirty, looked like he hadn't showered in a month!
While the driver was on my phone (by the way, he was talking on something from his truck so as we walked into my dining room I was thinking why does he need to use my phone...but oh well, we were in the house now)...the 2nd guy was looking all around my house. When I put something into my purse he looked like he was going to dive into it. He really gave me the creeps! I tried to engage him in conversation by asking where in FL they were from, etc. I got mumbled one word answers from this guy with looks that said, lady why you talkin to me. The appointment was reset for July 5,2006. but, I decided right then & there that they were not coming back into my house.
During my initial call to TWC I was told that if I had to cancel, just give them 24 hr notice. I also mentioned that I have heard good & bad about digital phone service & voiced my concerns as I do work out of my home most of the week (as a Real Estate agent) and my husband receives his overtime calls any time of day or night. I was assured that if I didn't like the digital service it would be simple to just switch right back with just a phone call to TWC.
I called TWC on July 3rd to cancel installation. The person I spoke with never cancelled the installation so another guy showed up on July 5th. (I don't know why but he wanted to know where the main box for the security system was & also said he would have to drill a hole into the new vinyl siding to do the installation) My husband told him I cancelled the appointment & sent him on his way.
On July 6th (my birthday) I tried to call my husband at home & received a message 'this number is no longer in service.'
Since then I have spent countless hours on the phone. Time Warner says I have to call my phone company to have the number ported back. My company was Trinsic. They say I have to call Verizon. Verizon said I was never a customer of Verizon, nothing they can do. Over & over I called all 3 companies over the next few days, and just kept doing these circles...each one passing the buck to the next.
It was finally decided that I could get my number back (which I have had for 28 years & don't want to change for many reasons) if I became a Verizon customer. OK fine. I would have service back by July 21st, much too long for my business to be without service but my hands were tied I guess....so I agreed...as long as I didn't have to have those creepy guys from TWC back to my house
Yesterday, July 17th (thinking OK its only a few more days without a phone)...I received a call from Verizon telling me that TWC cannot or won't release my number. I am now back to square one!
Karen/Verizon only suggestion was to let TWC hook up the lines. I WILL NOT HAVE THOSE CONTRACTORS BACK IN MY HOUSE & WILL NOT BE FORCED/BULLIED INTO IT! (Early in this fiasco I was told that once a cable company gets your number, they own it) What gives them this power?
Today I called TWC, spoke to Patsi/ref # 212906. I didn't even want to explain the situation to her again, asked to speak with a supervisor. (Have done this after getting no where with several other TWC employees..they put me on hold for 10-20 minutes, then each & every time came back on the line to tell me there is no supervisor available at this time, they will have to call me back). So before Patsi did anything I told her before putting me on hold make sure there was a supervisor available. She was (the 1st) very honest employee to tell me that from her position she could not connect me with a 'district' supervisor. She is setting up a conference call between me, Verizon & TWC. I am waiting to hear when this will be.
I mentioned to her that the operator who originally was supposed to cancel the service call never did & other TWC employees told me there was no record of my ever calling to cancel on July 3rd. Patsi said there IS a record....but, the operator who tried to cancel got an error message saying that it couldn't be cancelled & he did nothing to follow through. This person is to blame for this entire mess. They should have called a supervisor, or at the very least, called me back to let me know ...not just allow my telephones to be shut off!!! I have a verifcation number written down from one of the early contacts...I believe it may be the actual cancellation call...#759001.
This goof is costing me thousands of dollars by this time. It is an embarrassment to have people call & get a message that sounds as though I don't pay my bills.

As a resolution, I would like the following:

I want my phone service back with a phone company, not Time Warner Cable! I also want my same phone number as it is tied to my business as a Realtor & my husbands job, and friends and family in other states & other countries have this number.
I'm sure I won't get any kind of compensation for my losses. These huge companies that bully the little guy have got to be fined when they pull things like this.
Just for my knowledge: Can someone explain to me why they hire contractors from Florida to do the work herein NY? There are plenty of guys right here in the area that would appreciate the job & give TWC a better reputation.

Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.

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Car dealership

Posted by good faith on 09/02/2009

NEW ROCHELLE, NY, NEW YORK -- On Aug. 8th (Saturday night)I gave $500. check to dealership to purchase a car (during clunker program). On Monday Aug. 10th I canceled deal, the dealership signed a request for refund which stated; IF YOUR DEPOSIT WAS MADE BY CHECK WE MUST VERIFY THAT YOUR CHECK HAS CLEARED OUR BANK BEFORE WE CAN ISSUE A REFUND. ALL REFUNDS WILL BE PROCESSED THE THURSDAY FOLLOWING THE REFUND REQUEST. On Thursday Aug. 13th I called dealership, one manager said that the check will be cut on the next Thursday. I called on Aug. 24th, a manager said that they do not send out refunds until 25 days after because they had to wait for my check to clear. They told me to show proof that my check cleared, so I went to my bank and got a copy of my check which cleared their bank on Aug. 14th. I spoke to the manager again, told him I had a copy of my check he told me to fax it to him and he would have a check cut from their accounting office at their corporate location, which he would not give me their tel.# or location, on Thurs. Aug. 27th and I should have a check by Monday. On Monday I did not receive a check, I called again, another manager said I should wait til Tues. to receive check. On Tues. no check!!! I called on Wed. Sept. 2nd, spoke to another manager and customer relations person, said now that she is involved she would make sure that I get a check by Fri. or Mon. What is going on here?????? They have been lying to me and given me so much aggravation and I don't know why!!!!!! Finally, I told this customer relations manager that I wanted proof that a check was mailed out from their accounting office, well, today is Sept. 2nd and I have received a copy of a check from their bank made out to me dated the 27th of Aug. but why haven't I received this check yet???? I feel that I have been treated very badly from this dealership and they really don't want to send me a refund, even though I have signed proof from their manager, they are hoping that I become tired and frustrated and give up!!!!! Why isn't there someone, some agency, some law person to intervene quickly and DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I am sure I am not the only person, consumer going through this horrible process. Please help!!!!!! THIS DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. DO NOT DO ANY BUSINESS WITH THIS DEALERSHIP!!!!!!

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Fraudulent Advertising Practices by GE Money Bank

Posted by chuckb on 03/16/2006

RUSH, NEW YORK -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

In February, 2006, I received a mailer from GE Money Bank advertising a line of credit showing sample amounts borrowed from $5,000 up to $50,000 with monthly paybacks shown at a 7.9% interest as the lowest rate available.

I have a very high FICO score, so I called the toll free number to request $25,000 with a 48-month payback. The loan consultant took my information and in approximately 10 minutes came back and told me 'Mr. Barone, I have some good news for you. I can give you $14,500 at 15.9% interest.' I was furious, as I have always qualified for the lowest available rate because of my great credit score. The consultant kept asking me if I wanted her to send the check. I vehemently told her NO at least 5 times and then asked to speak to her supervisor, who I told the same thing as well as issuing a complaint. I firmly believe that no one who applies gets the 7.9% rate. This rate is simply a 'come on' to get your information and open an account. Yesterday, I received the check that I insisted I did not want. No where on this letter or accompanying documents did it specify my interest rate. There was only mention of a 15.99% rate in the credit agreement, which substantiates my claim that no applicant gets a lower rate.

I called their 800 number immediately to have them close this 'account' and have this removed from my credit record. I was told that I could close the account, but because I 'applied' this must stay on my credit record for 24-months by law. I asked for the address of Scott Young, VP of Personal Finance for GE Money Bank, whose signature appears at the bottom of the letter thanking me for opening the account which I asked not be opened. I plan to write a very unpleasant letter to this man today.

This company is praying on people that are desperate for money. By the time an applicant receives a check, they have probably forgotten the interest rate and just cash the check(s). Their advertising information is misleading and fraudulent and their business practices are at best questionable.

As a resolution, I would like the following:

This company should not be allowed to take advantage of people with false claims of low interest rates and loan amounts that they can't deliver on.

In my opinion, GE Money Bank should be ordered to stop such fraudulent advertising and business practices. They should also be heavily fined and forced to pay restitution to those who they cheated.

Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.

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Would You Sue Your Neighbor for Smoking?

Posted on 02/24/2008

Would You Sue Your Neighbor for Smoking?
By Katherine Steinberg

Should you be able to regulate your neighbor's smoking habit? Some New Yorkers think so.

Smokers are being increasingly pushed to the wayside as bans on smoking sweep across cities from the West to the East coasts, from the work place to restaurants. It seems there is no place to light up indoors anymore. But when does the ban on public smoking become private?

Two neighbors are feuding in New York over secondhand smoke seeping into a public hallway, as reported in the New York Times. One neighbor is a 57-year-old chain-smoking restaurateur who says she has been a smoker for four decades. She admits to feeling guilty over not being able to quit, and claims she uses air purifiers and door seals to ward against smoke seepage.

Her neighbors, a couple, both 40 and lawyers, claim her efforts are not stopping the smoke fumes from infecting the hallway where their young son is exposed to her secondhand smoke.

But do they have the right to restrict her smoking in her own apartment?

The well-documented dangers of secondhand smoke are many, ranging from lung cancer to heart disease, and possibly many other cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer. Secondhand smoke exposure has been concluded to be unsafe at any level, according to a June 2006 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. The report went further, stating there must be a ban on indoor smoking entirely in order to fully protect nonsmokers.
But, should your own apartment be considered a smoke-free zone, simply because it's indoors? Perhaps, if that apartment has a shared hallway where smoke can collect. What this means to smokers in their own apartments is still up for debate. Home may not be a sanctuary for smokers much longer.

Read the hole story at:
http://body.aol.com/condition-center/smoking-cessation/secondhand-smoke

In my opinion.
Well, From the poles and the commie, deceitful way they are taxing people to death I don't think so. People are just using this as another way to steal money and take away the freedoms of the people. If you support this kind of counter productive dictatorship then vote your freedoms away. The freedoms that make this the greatest country in the world are now being made a mockery of by lawyers, Doctors and most of all your own elected officials. Its you country and it used to be your choice.

PS. I donât smoke.

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Refund owed on canceled order

Posted by deedeerae on 01/26/2007

NEW YORK, MARYLAND -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

On 1/6/07, I placed an order at Just My Shopping (justmyshopping.com)
for 1 Retro Chrome Black Bar Table and a Pair Of Chrome Plated Bar Chairs, shipping was free. On 1/8/07, I realized that I had made a mistake and could not use the items and called the company. I could not reach anyone to speak to or an answering service, so I emailed the company that I wanted to cancel the order. On 1/9/07, I called the company again and explained that I could not use the items and cancel the order. I spoke with Elligant Casa and was told the item had not shipped yet and I could cancel. He also said there would be a 34. restocking fee and they would have to charge me shipping for the item for the trouble of canceling the order. I told him I did not agree with paying shipping for an item that was still at their facility and shipping was free to order the item. He told me it was a lot of trouble to retrieve the items. Isn't that what the restocking fee is for. I had no choice but to still cancel the order, because I could not use it. He said I would receive the refund in a couple days. A refund was issued 1/19, 10 days later for only $119.82, not 229.98 that I had paid or even 229.98 minus 34. for restocking. Almost 100. was kept by this company for their fraudulent excuse of shipping charge and I am disputing that I should not be charged a shipping fee for this order that never shipped from their company. I want my complete total refunded for 229.98. This company is scamming me by these extra charges and they have the merchandise. I have emailed the company two more times but received no reply. Please help me.
company information:
JustMyShopping.com
c/o Just My Shopping Inc.
2168 3rd. Ave.
New York, NY 10035
Phone #: 1-800-996-6324
Fax #: 1-212-996-9083
CS@JustMyShopping.com

As a resolution, I would like the following:

I want my complete total refunded for 229.98. They only refunded part of it and still owe me 110.16.

Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.

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Posted by Dodge Ram on 09/27/2006

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

As I first started off, Nextel signed me up for a Nation Super Connect 500+500 Plan. I was stated that the first bill would be the highest, and then from now on, I would only pay $44.99/month for 1,000 minutes. It is now nearly the end of September and I still have not received the latest bill from Nextel. Back in the middle of August, I never received a bill from Nextel. I called the local store; they said that I would have to call their 1-800 number(s), so I did. I finally got through to someone and they said that they would send me a new bill. I got that one. Now again, the next billing cycle, I didn't get the bill again, this is the second time not receiving a bill. I once again called Nextel and they said that I owe $129.93 including late fees/charges. I stated that was very unfair and not my fault. Now September rolls out into the second week and Nextel is constantly calling me for the money. I finally told the several representatives that I refuse to pay late fees, charges because I never received a bill. Now I have been hung up on by two representatives. As of 09/27/06 my cellular service has been disconnected. This is a horrible company.

As a resolution, I would like the following:

In my personal opinion the best way for the company to resolve my complaint is to refund me $64.96. This is figured by taking the current amount of $129.93 and dividing it in half. I feel this is the maximum I owe Nextel. Also, I want my credit history cleared with credit reporting agencies. This is IMPERATIVE!

Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.

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False charge due to delayed payment

Posted by jang on 04/18/2006

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

I purchased water softener and drinking system from Culligan company on Feb 2005 and got a “1 YEAR SAME AS CASH” finance promotion for about $2700 through Culligan Finance Company (A division of Aqua Finance Inc.). I paid minimum payment every month for 11 months without any delay and finally sent the last payment of $2,032.49 on last Feb 2 through the on-line bill payment of my bank Hudson United Bank to meet the last payment due date Feb 12. The money was withdrawn from my account on Feb 6 and the bank said the check was actually sent out on Feb 3. However, the Culligan Finance said it has been arrived on Feb 13, the next date of the due date and charged me $423.87 of accrued interest for one year. My bank and I contacted to Calligan Finance Company and showed them the cleared check saying that it was written on Feb 4 but they wouldn’t consider it and keep asking me to pay the interest due the payment delay. I feel very bad about this problem and the Culligan Finance Company looks very greedy. I know I can not complain to US postal service about delayed mail because they don’t guarantee that delivery date for regular mail. I thought Feb 3 is early enough because normal delivery of first-class mail can be done within 3 days. And this is true for my previous payments to this company. How can it be delivered for 11 days ? Unfortunately, the last payment due date (Feb 12) was Sunday when mails are not delivered. I asked Culligan Finance Company to consider this but they don’t care about it. Finally they waived $123.87 and want me to pay $300 until the end of this month. But I think $300 is still false charge and, I’d like to take any action to avoid paying it. I even suspect that the Culligan Finance Company held my check on purpose to charge me the large amount of interest. Please let me know whom I have to complain about this and how I can do it.

As a resolution, I would like the following:

I want to take any legal action if I can avoid this false charge or reduce some of them.

Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.

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Stainsafe warranty

Posted on 05/10/2003

As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

Here's the problem: I purchased a sofa and also purchased the warranty for Stainsafe protection. The sofa got stained and I called immediately the customer service department to find out what to do. I was then told what product to get to clean the stain. I did this but the stain would not come out. I again called and was told they would send out a tech to professionally clean the sofa. Well this took you six months with repeated calls from me to ever get someone out here. In fact Stainsafe ended up giving me the cleaning company phone number and I had to set up the appointment myself. The tech cleaned the sofa and the stain still wouldn't come out. In fact the cleaning solution left a white ring on the sofa arm and cushions. At this point I said it was unacceptable, so they said they would replace the cushion covers. This was fine, but for one the dye lot didn't match which I understand is not covered, but it didn't solve the problem of the white ring left on the arm of the sofa from the cleaning solution from the tech they recommended.

After going back to the store where I purchased the sofa (Seamans) they told me to contact Stainsafe, which I did, and they again sent out an inspector from Stainsafe after waiting weeks to make the appointment. This inspector told me at this time that the material was defective and put this in his report to Stainsafe. This was 7 weeks ago and I have heard nothing back from them.

As a resolution, I would like the following:

To resolve the problem, I would appreciate Stainsafe honoring their warranty agreement. I want the sofa replaced immediately. No more replacing cushion covers, no more runaround. Just replace the sofa with a new non-defective one. I want to be contacted immediately about this claim and I want it resolved not put in the dead letter file any longer.

Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.

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Unprofessional, Shoddy Accounting

Posted by toootrust on 05/22/2008

NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- Dec 2007 I went to Jerusalem Furniture and paid $40.00 in cash, as partial payment for a twin size bed. I was given a receipt.I lost the receipt somewhere in this house.

April 2008 Went to Jerusalem Furniture and paid $60.00 in cash, as another partial payment. That sales rep. informed me that the 'system was down' said she would enter the information later. She gave me a handwritten receipt. I was not concerned, then.

Approximately 10-12 days later, I began to call the store - because I needed to know what was the balance on my account, also needed another copy of the receipts. Went to the store a few times, to find out if my receipts were found. Because they never returned my calls, I decided to go in person. Each time I was at the store, they were "looking" for the receipts. I was very upset, because then they started saying that they can't find the receipts. Finally - I was told that they have no record of the cash transactions. Got more upset, as sales rep. tells me that "we did no business with you" - asked me to leave.

Now, my account must have been deleted, money pocketed. I am on disability, limited income. This is causing a financial hardship. I wanted the bed to be delivered in time for my son's graduation - but there is NO data to prove that I made partial payments. What recourse do I have? My account must have been deleted.

Please advise..

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wells fargo

Posted by mccracken on 06/07/2007

NEW YORK -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.

I have a car loan through wells fargo and two days ago they repossessed it. I have tried to explain that I had to buy a new boiler for my home that was 6,000 and had to have my roof repaired so with all of this happening I got behind I have offered them the money owed to make the loan current but they are refusing to reinstate me and told me that I have to days to refinance it with a different company or it will go to the auction. I am trying my best to make things right but they refuse to try to work with me. Trough the 7 months that I have had the loan I have only received one statement in the mail from them I received no call or letter for the threat of repossession.Everyone I have spoken to refuses to let me talk with a supervisor and is very rude and treats you like you are a piece of garbage and I am not I just got behind and now I am trying to do the right thing and get caught up instead of running away and claiming bankruptcy like people usually do.

As a resolution, I would like the following:

I would like someone to ask wells fargo why they can't send statements or call or let someone try to get caught up on there loan if they still have proof of making good money and obviously just got behind.